12 Forgotten McDonald’s Menu Items from the 1990s

If you’re feeling nostalgic, let’s dive into the 1990s McDonald’s menu and revisit some items that have since vanished. Back then, McDonald’s wasn’t just about Big Macs and fries. They experimented with some pretty unique dishes, from pizzas to pitas and everything in between. Many of these items have disappeared from the menu, but they remain a fun part of McDonald’s quirky history.

The Beef Wennington

Named after Chicago Bulls player Bill Wennington, this burger was a unique addition that featured a beef patty with barbecue sauce, onions, and a slice of cheese. The flavor of the tangy barbecue melded beautifully with the onions, creating a distinct taste. Served on a standard sesame seed bun, it was a hearty and savory option for sports fans. It enjoyed brief success before being retired.

The McPizza

McDonald’s ventured into Italian territory with this item, offering pizza topped with cheese, pepperoni, and other classic toppings. The crust was thick and chewy, while the toppings delivered the familiar and comforting flavors of pizza. It was an unconventional but surprisingly popular offering. However, the slow cooking time eventually led to its discontinuation.

The McHotDog

Bringing hot dogs to the McDonald’s menu, this item featured a grilled sausage topped with ketchup, mustard, and onions. The sausage had a smoky flavor that was complemented by the tangy condiments. Although it had regional success in some markets, it couldn’t secure a permanent spot on the menu. The company soon decided to stick to its core offerings.

The McLean Deluxe

This burger promised a healthier option by featuring a lean beef patty with reduced fat content. Despite being lean, it retained much of the juicy flavor, combined with lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce for a pleasant taste. However, the lower fat content made it less flavorful than traditional burgers. The McLean Deluxe ultimately couldn’t keep up with changing tastes and was phased out.

The Arch Deluxe

Marketed as an upscale burger for adults, the Arch Deluxe had a quarter-pound patty seasoned with a unique mix of spices. It was topped with peppered bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a mustard-mayonnaise sauce. The patty had a robust flavor that was well complemented by the crisp lettuce and smoky bacon. Despite a major advertising campaign, the high price kept it from succeeding.

The McStuffins

Featuring a stuffed pita bread filled with various ingredients like chicken, veggies, and cheese, the McStuffins were an attempt to provide a more global flavor. The pita itself was soft and warm, offering a comforting bite, while the fillings were fresh and flavorful. It offered a portable, healthy option but failed to win over the fast-food crowd.

Catfish Sandwich

This sandwich offered a crispy catfish fillet, fried to perfection and topped with lettuce and tartar sauce. The fish had a delicate flavor, enhanced by the crunch of the batter and the zest of the tartar sauce. Served on a toasted bun, it was a unique option for seafood lovers. However, it struggled to gain a wide appeal and was eventually removed.

McSpaghetti

McDonald’s took on Italian cuisine once more with McSpaghetti, featuring pasta covered in tomato sauce with cheese. The spaghetti was tender, and the sauce had a sweet and savory flavor, with the cheese providing a creamy finish. Though it found some popularity in specific regions, it didn’t align with typical fast-food expectations. It continues to thrive in a few international markets.

The McJordan

Named after basketball legend Michael Jordan, the McJordan featured a quarter-pound beef patty topped with bacon, barbecue sauce, and onions. The combination of smoky barbecue with the crispy bacon created a bold flavor that stood out. Lettuce and pickles provided a refreshing contrast, rounding out the taste. Despite its unique appeal, it was a limited-time offering.

Onion Nuggets

McDonald’s briefly offered these deep-fried onion chunks as an alternative to their famous fries. They had a crispy exterior and a soft, tender inside, delivering a burst of onion flavor with each bite. Served with dipping sauces like ketchup or barbecue, they provided a different snacking option. Despite positive reviews, they were ultimately overshadowed by Chicken McNuggets.

McDLT

This burger separated its ingredients to keep the lettuce and tomato cool while the patty stayed warm. It offered a fresh, crisp taste from the chilled lettuce and tomato, while the beef patty remained juicy and hot. The dual compartment packaging allowed customers to assemble it right before eating. However, the unique packaging wasn’t environmentally friendly, leading to its removal.

The Superhero Burger

Created as a tie-in to the movie “Batman Forever,” the Superhero Burger featured three beef patties with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onions on a sesame seed bun. It offered a rich, smoky flavor from the grilled patties and a satisfying crunch from the vegetables. The generous size made it a hit among hungry fans. Despite its short-lived success, it disappeared after the movie’s run.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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